During its 137 years on West Main Street, the building commonly known as the Trolley Barn never actually served as storage for trolley cars. Constructed in 1875, the long, narrow brick building initially was one of Madison’s market houses, which were open buildings designed as places for merchants and farmer to sell their products. The first Madison market house appeared at the corner of Jefferson and Main Streets in 1818. The Trolley Barn was the last such building erected in town.

The Madison Power and Electric Company moved into the building’s rear section in 1886. Coincidentally, the market house’s open interior plan made an ideal fit for generators and other power equipment. The Madison Power and Electric Company eventually occupied the entire building. Later, the Madison Light and Railway and Madison Light and Power used the building in the same capacity.

Recently, the Trolley Barn has housed small shops and restaurants and, in 2011, became home to the first contemporary brewery in Madison.

The Trolley Barn contributes to the historic significance of the Madison Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark.